Southern California -- this just in

Latino population approaching that of whites in California, census data show

March 9, 2011 | 7:49
am

The U.S. Census Bureau figures released Tuesday show that over the last decade, the percentage of Latinos has approached parity with non-Hispanic whites — 37.6% to 40.1%, with Asians at 12.8% and blacks at 5.8%.

The data released Tuesday showed that much of California's growth was fueled by Latinos, who saw their numbers increase nearly 28% to 14 million, and Asians, who saw a nearly 31% gain to nearly 4.8 million. The two other major demographic groups were in retreat: Non-Hispanic whites declined more than many demographers had predicted, dropping 5.4% to just under 15 million. The number of blacks declined nearly 1% to nearly 2.2 million residents.

Though most parts of the state added population, growth was greater in the interior and more anemic along the coast.

Image: The map shows shifts in population in California, with inland areas in green gaining residents. These shifts will be addressed as California's 53 congressional districts are redrawn and inland areas of California gain districts.